Here are a few of the questions I would ask and things to consider.

• Price per session is not always a good indicator - some expensive therapists are not good and some cheap ones are, on the other hand you do usually get what you pay for.   I charge £60 per 90 minute session during the daytime and £75 in the evenings, but be prepared to pay more as you get closer to London.
  
  
• Find out how long a session lasts - a 30 minute session is not enough if you wish to discuss your problems, get to know your therapist and experience a relaxing and worthwhile session of hypnosis.  My sessions are one and a half hours - sometimes extending to two if necessary.  I like you to feel relaxed and comfortable.
  
  
• How many sessions will it take?  It won't be possible for someone who hasn't met you to say accurately how many sessions you would need, so ask them what is usual.  If they say you'll need 10 before they've even talked to you, try somewhere else.  For me, most clients are sorted after 2 or 3 sessions.  Occasionally, for traumatic and complicated cases, clients may see me for around 6 sessions.
  
  
• Ask about qualifications.  There are literally hundreds of places teaching hypnotherapy, and it will be almost impossible to know which ones are good or bad, so ask how long their training was.  At least a year of training (usually one weekend a month) or around 150 hours, is what would give me confidence.  See my qualifications.
  
  
• Ask about the societies and associations they belong to.  Again there are many.  You should be able to check these out via the internet - find out how long they have been established and how many members they have.  A society with only a small number of people may not be well recognised, or worth being a member of.  Sometimes training schools set up their own associations for their own graduates - is this because they are not good enough to join other organisations???   See my qualifications.
  
  
• Find out if they offer a free consultation.  This will give you an opportunity to meet and see for yourself if you like this therapist.  Good hypnosis depends on feeling and being relaxed, so having a good rapport with your therapist is essential for you to feel comfortable.  I do offer a free consultation, so after our initial chat and my explanation of hypnotherapy, if you decide it's not for you, you can leave and owe nothing.  If you decide you want to go ahead and have the hypnotherapy, then the fee is chargeable.  Very few people leave before the hypnotherapy!!  Some therapists are unable to offer a free consultation when they work in premises that they rent, but having the advantage of working from home, I can offer it.
  
  
• Finally, use your own intuition.  If you feel comfortable and can speak easily to a therapist and they seem genuine then give it a go.  If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, find another.  
  
  
• Happy Hypnotherapist Hunting!
  
  For Hypnotherapists in your area have a look at the Hypnotherapy Association Website.